Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s absence from the Test series against South Africa has raised several questions, especially after his recent domestic form. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited fitness and selection dynamics as the reason behind his omission, fresh developments suggest there may have been deeper personal considerations.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court sought a response from Mohammed Shami and the West Bengal government on a plea filed by his estranged wife Hasin Jahan, who has approached the court seeking increased maintenance for herself and their daughter. The ongoing legal proceedings have once again brought Shami’s personal life into public focus.
Meanwhile, Shami’s personal coach, Mohammed Badruddin, has openly criticised the BCCI selection committee, alleging that the board has “made up its mind to ignore Shami” despite his performances. Speaking to India Today, Badruddin said, “He’s not unfit — when a player is taking 15 wickets in two Ranji games, that clearly shows he’s in form. The selectors are overlooking him, that’s it.”
Badruddin also questioned the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel’s rationale, calling their decision “pre-decided.” He emphasised that Shami’s Ranji performances, where he took 15 wickets in his first three games of the 2025–26 season, should have been enough to merit a national recall.
Shami, 35, last played for India during the Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, where he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets from five matches. Despite his recent domestic success, he was left out of both the India A and senior squads for the South Africa tour.
According to Badruddin, “All this talk about fitness or match practice is just an excuse. They already have a plan about who they want to play and who they don’t.”
However, sources close to the BCCI suggest that Shami’s ongoing personal legal issues and mental strain may have influenced the board’s decision to give him “time off” to focus on his well-being amid the off-field turmoil.
While the board has not issued an official statement linking Shami’s absence to his legal situation, the timing of the Supreme Court case and his exclusion from the Test squad have sparked widespread speculation that the decision may have been made keeping his mental and personal stability in mind.
For now, Shami’s fans remain hopeful that the experienced fast bowler — who has been instrumental in several of India’s victories over the years — will make a strong comeback once the off-field matters settle.
